How does one describe the indescribable?
But when Zagreb-based Damir Begovic's designs hit the catwalk at the Dunedin Town Hall last night they took the whole show one step beyond.
The models who wore the creations of the graduate of the University of Zagreb were so fully wrapped in the designs, their faces encased in masks, they required a guide to take them down the catwalk.
The models took to the sloping stage in the highest of heels - and it was a triumph of the models' skills that they did
so without incident.
Begovic's collection was one highlight of the emerging designers show, the new centrepiece of Dunedin's fashion week.
His designs use motifs and traditional techniques of Slavonian folk costume and attire.
Modelling blind meant not all the models could do the full circuit of the town hall.
But all the others did, with up to 15 models wearing designs from three collections walking simultaneously - one group on the main catwalk and the other two on the ground floor or in the upper gallery.
That meant there was something to see in front, behind and above as the models completed the long route, and everyone at the event saw the designs up close.
The models this year sported an androgynous look, with long, thick eyebrows painted on and hair plaited tightly across their skulls.
Host radio personality, author and columnist Kerre McIvor described the designs as "wonderful works of art", and Dunedin as "the fashion capital of New Zealand".
